Postgraduate Module Descriptor


ERPM007Z: Personality and Individual Differences

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The module will introduce you to theories, research and practice in relation to the psychology of personality and individual differences. In the pursuit of this we aim to:

  • Develop in you a broad and critical understanding of the ways in which personality and individual differences influence various aspects of human behaviour
  • Introduce you to a range of instruments and tools used in this psychological study, including for example, questionnaires, interviews and psychometric tests
  • Develop your awareness of the issues, controversies, challenges and potential problems in measuring personality and individual differences

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of theories of personality and individual differences and a basic understanding of how these might be applied to some key topics
2. Describe how instruments and tools like questionnaires and psychometric tests may be used in personality research
3. Illustrate how our understanding of personality and individual differences depends on the methods used to measure these concepts and the theories employed to frame them
4. Illustrate a good basic knowledge and understanding of a range of societal and behavioural issues relating to individual differences in personality
Discipline-Specific Skills5. Illustrate detailed factual and conceptual knowledge of theoretical positions and see relationships and differences between them
6. Identify and critically evaluate the main areas of controversy in these areas of research
7. Solve complex problems creatively, critically and systematically
Personal and Key Skills8. Develop clear and logical arguments in your writing or visual representation of these topics
9. Manage and source information and material for use in written assessments
10. Read, review and critically evaluate relevant research evidence and literature